Forum brings together Chinese & NZ businesspeople

Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Press Release: International Sustainable Cities Forum

Forum brings together Chinese and New Zealand businesspeople

The International Sustainable Cities Forum to be held on 30 March brings together government and business leaders from both China and New Zealand, in conjunction with the first anniversary of the signing of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

The organisers have managed to secure the attendance of approximately 50 senior business and government leaders from China to attend this Forum. Amongst those attending is Wang Shi, the Godfather of Chinese real estate, Chairman of Vanke, with market capitalisation over US$10b, the largest property developer in China. Wang Shi is also the he oldest person in the world to complete the 7+2 (scaling the highest peaks on seven continents and to trek to the two poles). Many of the delegates are members of the China Urban Realty Association (CURA), and are well-known entrepreneurs and investors. Government delegations from Chang Xing County in Zhejiang Province and Wu Jin District in Jiangsu Province will also attend.

The Chinese participants are keen to look at partnership possibilities in New Zealand. They also want to better understand New Zealand’s capabilities in the area of sustainable development, especially given the significant challenges faced in China.

On the New Zealand side, Hon Richard Worth, Minister of Internal Affairs as well as Auckland City Mayor John Banks and Zhang Limin (Chinese Ambassador) will be in attendance, in addition to business leaders. The event is supported by partners New Zealand Institute of- Architects and New Zealand Green Building Council. A late surge in registrations received from New Zealand businesses means that the forum will be at full capacity.

The Forum’s sponsors include McConnell Group, one of New Zealand’s largest firms in the property sector, and FRAMECAD, a world leader in light gauge steel frame building solutions.

The Forum organisers, New Zealand Chinese Herald and Euroasia, have been working extensively with New Zealand organisations to ensure the Chinese investors get a good overview of New Zealand’s approach to building sustainable cities.

Forum organiser Kenneth Leong says: “At this Forum, participants will have unparalleled access to some of the top decision makers in the booming Chinese real estate and investment sectors.”

“In every crisis, there’s an opportunity. We believe New Zealand firms are well positioned to provide innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the Chinese government and property developers. The organisers will be arranging site visits for the Chinese delegation so that they can experience first-hand what New Zealand businesses have to offer”

At a glance:

What: International Sustainable Cities Forum
Where: Langham Hotel, Auckland
When: 9am-5pm, Monday, 30 November

Full programme at www.sustainablecities.co.nz

ENDS